The Trump administration is reviewing the accreditation of an organization overseeing around 1,300 beauty and cosmetology schools, impacting over 120,000 students. This examination reflects the president’s larger agenda to modify higher education accreditation.
President Donald Trump has vowed to target what he perceives as left-leaning accreditors. During his 2024 campaign, he described accreditation as a tool to challenge colleges and universities swayed by political ideologies.
Focus on NACCAS Compliance
The current focus is on the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), which faces scrutiny over federal compliance, not diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues. Recognition by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) for such accreditors enables schools to access federal student aid.
DOE staff found deficiencies with NACCAS and suggested maintaining recognition but with conditions. In contrast, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) voted 9-3 to deny NACCAS renewed recognition.
Impact on Students
Federal recognition impacts students financially. For people like Aliyah Fernandez, a recent graduate working in a salon, federal aid was crucial. Fernandez explained, “Federal financial aid made attending beauty school possible.” She wanted a career allowing her to support her family while spending time with them.
Blythe Fields, another student working while studying cosmetology, emphasized how federal aid allows her to balance her education and family life. Fields highlighted, “The career flexibility will be vital when my baby arrives.” Students like Fernandez and Fields initiated a petition urging monitored improvement for NACCAS instead of outright denial.
NACCAS Compliance Efforts
While understanding the concerns about NACCAS, Fernandez believes fully removing accreditation is extreme. Fields noted cosmetology can be undervalued compared to male-dominated trades like plumbing.
During a July meeting, Zakiya Smith Ellis, a former DOE official, proposed denying NACCAS’s recognition, citing prior compliance opportunities. Michael Poliakoff supported this view, and the decision passed 9-3. Robert Eitel opposed the denial, suggesting corrective measures instead.
The DOE reviews accreditors every five years through a three-tier process, involving DOE staff recommendations, an independent committee input, and a senior department official’s decision.
Despite the ongoing process, the White House, NACCAS, and other involved entities did not comment further. The debate continues regarding maintaining oversight versus denying accreditation.